Tag Archives: Ki no Toshisada

KKS XVIII: 969

When Ki no Toshisada was sent to Awa as Vice-Governor, Narihira planned a farewell banquet for him. On the day he was due to depart, Toshisada kept rushing about here and there and, when he did not appear, even though it was late at night, Narihira sent this to him.

今ぞ知るくるしき物と人またむ里をば離れず訪ふべかりけり

ima zo siru
kurusiki mono to
Fito matamu
sato woba karezu
toFubekarikeri
Now I know well
The pain of it;
When someone awaits me
At their home, I’ll not stay away
But pay my call, as I should.

Ariwara no Narihira
有原業平

KKS III: 136

Composed looking at a cherry tree, blooming in the Fourth Month.

あはれてふ事をあまたにやらじとや春におくれてひとりさくらむ

aFare teFu
koto wo amata ni
yarazi to ya
Faru ni wokurete
Fitori sakuran
‘How moving!’
Should those oft repeated words
Not go to the others?
Left behind by Spring,
This single blooming cherry.

Ki no Toshisada